MIKE HOLMES: Attics serve purpose, so take care of them

I'M getting lots of emails from readers lately about roofs and attics. These two really caught my eye because they show me the lack of understanding homeowners have about attics and the important role they play in your house's system. Sheila . . .

Posted: 2010-07-03

Use lighting to improve your mood

Lighting alters more than the esthetic appeal of your home — it can affect your mood as well. Studies show we are deeply influenced by our home lighting choices. Light that is too blue, bright or artificial can have a . . .

Posted: 2019-01-05

Call installer regarding heat pump concerns

Question: I had a new furnace and heat pump installed last spring, now that cold weather is here, the heat pump comes on regularly, but there is a lot of ice forming underneath it. This unit is installed a . . .

Posted: 2022-12-31

Attic ventilation key to avoiding damage

VENTILATION plays a key role in controlling attic moisture in the winter and hot air in the summer. Care should be taken to seal around all the openings in the attic floor, such as ceiling light fixtures, plumbing stacks, exhaust fans . . .

Posted: 2013-09-21

MIKE HOLMES: Build above code to protect home from fire

It seems like every year we hear about wildfires tearing through Southern California, destroying homes and property. Last year there were similarly huge blazes in Australia, and in May almost half of the entire town of Slave Lake Alberta burned . . .

Posted: 2011-07-02

Keep basement dry to keep bugs away

Question: I found a couple of your articles in old issues of the Free Press regarding sow bugs, and I was hoping for some further advice. I own a duplex, and my tenants live in the main floor and basement. . . .

Posted: 2020-12-05

Heat may be needed to prevent plumbing from freezing

Question: I was hoping you could suggest how to prevent a pump from freezing in winter. It is located in the crawl space at the end of the building, which is skirted with insulation panels. The water lines have heat . . .

Posted: 2021-10-30

What lies beneath

What you can't see is, at times, the best indicator of quality

When doing a remodel or upgrade that involves replacing a sink and faucets, the placement of the drain and shut-off valves for the hot and cold water often isn’t given much thought because it is beneath the sink — tucked . . .

Posted: 2017-08-26

Quick and easy updates to help sell your home

You don't need to mortgage the future for these

If you plan on selling your house, a new report lists a few renovation projects that could ensure you get top dollar for your property. Whether we're talking new plumbing fixtures, new flooring or new kitchen cabinets, a suitable renovation can . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

Tips for seniors to avoid falling on stairs

Contrasting steps, secure coverings keys to safety

When seniors fall on or from stairs, even a short distance, the consequences for their health can be both severe and long-lasting. Thankfully, many of those falls can be prevented with a little careful planning and a few simple strategies. To . . .

Posted: 2008-09-28